5 players the Carolina Panthers can’t lose to injury in 2020
By Dean Jones
Scouting Report. 87. Pick Analysis. LINEBACKER. CAROLINA PANTHERS. TAHIRWHITEHEAD. 1. player
Carolina Panthers: Player No. 1 – Tahir Whitehead (LB)
The Carolina Panthers were dealt an untimely blow when iconic linebacker Luke Kuechly announced his shock retirement this offseason. They did not manage to draft a long-term replacement in the 2020 NFL Draft. So the onus will be on free-agent signing Tahir Whitehead to deliver.
The player arrived with the Panthers on a one-year deal worth $2.5 million. Whitehead performed well for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2019 on his way to 108 combined tackles, 79 solo tackles, and one pass deflection. This earned him a 55.2 grade from Pro Football Focus.
Whitehead will not offer the defense much in the way of coverage ability. But he is a strong tackler that could become an integral part of the franchise in 2020.
Related Story. Carolina Panthers: Did draft picks indicate confidence in Tahir Whitehead?. light
There doesn’t appear to be any great depth behind Whitehead, so if the former Temple standout ends up on the injury list. It is going to represent a serious problem for the organization.
While the player might not be a long-term option, at least at the present time. If he performs as he is capable of then there is every chance he can earn a longer-term deal with the Panthers next spring.
He will need to not only play well. But Whitehead must also show the team he can be a dependable asset at the second level in terms of staying on the field.